In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 74

📰 Zoom Room Knoxville Turns Two with an Exciting Weeklong Bash

📰 Test Your Halloween IQ at Ijams’ Spooky Trivia Night

🗓️ Nighttime Paddle at Ijams River Landing

🗓️ Fifth Annual Holiday Maker’s Market

📣 Get your Knoxville Insider VIP Pass Today for Giveaways, Special Offers, and More!

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

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✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Zoom Room Knoxville Turns Two with an Exciting Weeklong Bash

Get ready for a week of tail-wagging fun as Zoom Room celebrates its 2nd birthday with a Weeklong Birthday Bash, happening Sunday, October 12th–Saturday, October 18th! The celebration combines tricks, treats, and plenty of puppy playtime for a week packed with excitement and community spirit.

Each day brings something special — from “Trick for a Treat” on Sunday the 12th and free birthday donuts on Monday the 13th, to $5 intro training classes on Tuesday the 14th where pups can try agility, rally, or puplates.

Midweek fun continues with Playgroup Palooza for dogs of all energy levels on Wednesday the 15th, Costume & Photo Day on Thursday the 16th, and Games Day on Friday the 17th for playful bonding. The week wraps up with a cozy Movie Night on Saturday the 18th featuring The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Whether you’re a loyal Zoom Room customer or a first-timer, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate our birthday and Halloween, meet fellow dog lovers, and have a blast with your furry best friend. More Info about Zoom Room

We are located at 10938 Springbluff Way and can be reached at (865) 378-7200

Fifth Annual Holiday Maker’s Market

Kick off your holiday shopping season in style at the Fifth Annual Holiday Makers Market, happening Saturday, November 8th, from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Hardin Valley Event Center Pavilion (2620 Willow Point Way). This beloved community event offers free admission and a festive atmosphere filled with creativity, crafts, and cheer.

Visitors can browse a wide array of handmade goods, including custom art, jewelry, home décor, baked treats, and seasonal crafts — all created by talented local makers. Families can also enjoy face painting and other fun surprises throughout the day.

All proceeds from the market benefit American Heritage Girl Troop 0413 and Trail Life Troop 1413, supporting youth programs that encourage leadership, service, and community spirit. Whether you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift or simply want to celebrate the season, this is the perfect place to shop small and make a big difference.

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Buffalo Bills fans-please come join us on Bills game days at Clancy’s Tavern and Whisky House, 602 S. Gay Street. They are currently 4-0 and have an awesome time with old and new friends cheering the team on!  The remaining October games are on October 13th at 7:15 PM and October 26th at 1:00 PM.

The University of Tennessee Creative Writing Program will host acclaimed poet, translator, and educator Yesenia Montilla for a public reading on Monday, October 13th, at 7 PM in the Lindsay Young Auditorium at the John C. Hodges Library. This special literary event is free and open to the public, inviting poetry lovers and students alike to experience Montilla’s powerful voice and artistry.

Book lovers, mark your calendars! The Bottom Knox invites readers to gather for a cozy evening of cocktails, conversation, and community at Peter Kern Library (407 Union Ave.) on Wednesday, October 15th, for their monthly Sip N’ Read Book Club. This unique event blends the best of Knoxville’s literary and social scenes—giving guests the chance to unwind with a drink and a good book in one of the city’s most iconic speakeasies. More Info & Tickets

The Improvised Shakespeare Company is making a special stop at the Clayton Arts Center on October 16th at 7:30pm, and you won’t want to miss it! This inventive troupe will perform an entirely unscripted show—creating Shakespeare-style scenes on the spot based on audience suggestions. Think “you tell us a setting, character trait, prop, or title, and we deliver a fully improvised ‘Shakespearean’ play.” The result is hilarious, unpredictable, and astonishingly theatrical. More Info

Mark your calendars for an evening of intrigue and celebration as Knoxville author Audra McElyea unveils her latest mystery novel, Not Good People. The book launch event will take place on October 17th, at the East Tennessee History Center (601 S. Gay St), hosted by Friends of the Knox County Public Library. More Info

Get ready for one of Knoxville’s most unique Halloween traditions — the Historic Cherokee Caverns Annual Trick or Treat in the Cave (8524 Oak Ridge Highway) is back for two weekends of family fun this October! The event runs October 17th–19th and October 24th–26th, with varying hours each day. Tickets are $15 for ages 4 and up, and children 3 and under get in free. Parking is also free. More Info & Tickets

Knox County Master Gardeners - Master Gardener Cid Letsinger will host Q&A sessions at the Norwood Branch Library (1110 Merchant Dr.) on October 18th and November 15th from 10 a.m.–noon.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 18th from 9 AM to 2 PM as Washington Presbyterian Church hosts its beloved Annual Fall Apple Festival at the church pavilion and park, located at 7405 Washington Pike NE, Corryton. This long-standing community favorite is packed with fall fun, delicious food, and family-friendly activities—all for a great cause.

Get ready for a rootin’ tootin’ good time at the Birdhouse Fall Hoedown, happening October 19th from 3:00 to 8:00 PM. Join us at The Birdhouse Neighborhood Center (800 North 4th Avenue) for an evening of live country music, hoedown dancing, family-friendly fun, and southern charm. Get Tickets

Craft, Sip & Connect, October 20th - Grab your yarn and your favorite project—unfinished or otherwise—and head to Intrepid Nitro Coffee and Tea in Bearden (5201 Kingston Pike #6) for a fun evening of creativity and community!

The Hard Knox Hooligans are rolling into a new season with energy, community spirit, and a couple of exciting events this October! Families interested in youth roller derby are invited to a Family Interest Meeting and All-Wheels Rollout on Tuesday, October 21st at 6 PM at the Hardin Valley Event Center (2620 Willow Point Way)

Are you ready to RUMBLE! Join us Tuesday, October 21st at 6:00 pm for “The Main Event - Jack vs Jim” Course #357 at 35 North Bar & Grill, 11321 Kingston Pike. The class will be an interactive 1.5 hour presentation on the history and virtues of Jack Daniels and Jim Beam. During the class, you'll be the judge for comparable priced whiskey samples from Jack Daniels and Jim Beam. We'll tally the judges scores and declare a winner of the Jack vs Jim bout. May the best whiskey win! Get Tickets

Get ready for an evening where words cast spells and verses raise goosebumps! On Monday, October 21st, from 7–9 PM, Ijams Nature Center (2915 Island Home Ave) and the Knoxville Poetry Slam are teaming up to present the Spooky Poetry Slam, a night of hauntingly creative performances. More Info & Tickets

On Tuesday, October 22nd, from 6–8 PM, Ijams Nature Center (2915 Island Home Ave) invites the community to a truly unique celebration—Welcome Home - Celebrating the Ijams Bat House! Guests will begin the evening with a short, scenic guided walk around Mead’s Quarry, leading to the exciting unveiling of Ijams’ newest “residents’” home. More Info & Tickets

Sweeten up your autumn evenings with a fun, creative evening! On October 22nd from 6:00-8:00 PM, Volunteer Cookie Co. will host a Cookie Decorating Class at The Kraken’s Cup, located at 4815 N Broadway, Suite 107. Participants will learn basic decorating techniques and leave with six beautifully decorated cookies of their own. The ticket includes all decorating materials, tea, a scone, and the icing & sugar cookie recipes to take home. More Info & Reserve your seat

Experience Ijams Nature Center in a whole new light—or rather, twilight—during the Haunted History of Ijams Hike on Thursday, October 23rd, from 7 PM–9 PM. This guided evening adventure invites participants to explore the scenic trails of Ijams Nature Center (2915 Island Home Avenue) while uncovering the fascinating, lesser-known stories that have shaped its landscape. More Info

The Smoky Mountain Bourbon Society invites bourbon lovers to gather for an unforgettable evening of music, flavor, and fellowship at the SMBS Fall Social & Bottle Share on Friday, October 24th, from 6–11 PM at the Hardin Valley Event Center Outdoor Pavilion (2620 Willow Point Way). Details & Tickets

Book lovers in North Knoxville, mark your calendars! The Halls Branch Library (4518 E. Emory Road) will host its Used Book Sale on October 25th, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Lace up your hiking boots and grab your leash—Tails on Trails: Hike to Save Pets is happening Saturday, October 25th, from 8:30 AM to 1 PM at Baker Creek Preserve! This family-friendly fundraiser supports a special fund through the University of Tennessee Veterinary Department, created in memory of two beloved cats to help pet owners struggling to afford emergency vet care. More Info 

Theater 23 invites audiences to an unforgettable live production of The Last Flight of the Electra, opening this October at The Grove Theater, 123 Randolph Rd, in Oak Ridge. This haunting play explores obsession, identity, and the mysteries that linger around the disappearance of Amelia Earhart. Showtimes: October 24th at 7:30 PM / October 25th at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM / October 26th at 2:30 PM / October 31st at 7:30 PM / November 1st at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM / November 2nd at 2:30 PM. More Info

The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum invites the community to celebrate the beauty of the season at its annual Fall Festival & Plant Sale on Sunday, October 26th, from 1–5 PM. This beloved event brings together gardening enthusiasts, local artists, and community partners for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and fall fun. More Info 

Step into the glow this Halloween as Candlelight transforms Jackson Terminal into a moody, candlelit concert hall on October 30th. Performed by the Listeso String Quartet, this 60-minute program threads together spooky-season favorites. More Info

A Night Out with New Friends | Dinner with Strangers - Looking to expand your social circle and enjoy a memorable evening in great company? A Night Out with New Friends: Knoxville | Dinner with Strangers 2025 offers just that—a unique dining experience designed for mingling, connection, and making new friends over a delicious meal. These events turn the usual dinner out into something far more exciting and meaningful. More Info

Networking:

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

Bonfire Fridays with 2 Brothers Services. - Gather at 188 Hill Road in Knoxville on select Fridays—October 24th, November 21st, and December 19th—from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM for a night of laughter, conversation, and cozy fireside vibes. Families are encouraged to bring a snack, a drink, and a chair, and settle in for an evening where kids can play while adults network in a laid-back, welcoming environment.

Veterans:

Free Veterans’ Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 14 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly. Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates

Nighttime Paddle at Ijams River Landing

Take in the tranquil beauty of the Tennessee River beneath the stars during Ijams Nature Center’s Nighttime Paddle on Thursday, October 23rd, from 6:30–8:30 PM at Ijams River Landing (2915 Island Home Ave). This guided evening adventure offers a peaceful escape into nature while uncovering the hidden wonders that come alive after dark.

Led by Ijams naturalists, participants will explore the river’s nocturnal wildlife, unique plant life, and fascinating geological features—all illuminated by the glow of the night sky. Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and headlamps are provided, ensuring a safe and memorable experience. The event is open to ages 14 and up, with minors accompanied by an adult.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a serene fall evening on the water, this two-hour paddle promises an unforgettable connection with Knoxville’s natural beauty. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. More Info & Register

Test Your Halloween IQ at Ijams’ Spooky Trivia Night

Calling all trivia buffs and Halloween lovers—Ijams Nature Center is hosting a Spooky Trivia Night on Friday, October 24th, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Gather your friends and family for a chilling yet fun evening full of themed questions that explore Halloween lore, local nature mysteries, eerie science, and seasonal curiosities.

Whether you’re a trivia pro or just want to join in for a good time, Spooky Trivia promises to be a highlight of the season. More Info & Register

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